Helsinki, Capital city in southern Finland.
Description
Helsinki is the capital of Finland on the southern coast, built across several islands and peninsulas along the Gulf of Finland. The city connects through bridges and ferries, and its architecture ranges from neoclassical buildings in the center to modern neighborhoods farther out.
History
The city was founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden and grew slowly as a trading port. After Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917, it became the capital and continued to develop.
Culture
People spend much of their time in public saunas, some of which sit right on the waterfront and allow for a quick dip into the cold sea. At the market halls and harbor square, locals gather to buy fresh fish and meet over coffee.
Practical
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport lies about 18 kilometers (11 miles) north of downtown and can be reached by train or bus. In winter, expect temperatures below freezing and short days, while summer brings longer daylight hours.
Did you know?
In summer, you can experience up to 19 hours of daylight here, while winter brings only a few hours of sun. Beneath the city runs a network of underground tunnels and spaces that once served as shelters and are now partly used for events.
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Helsinki offers a unique mix of Nordic traditions and modern urban spaces. The city features public saunas like Sompasauna by the sea, where entry is free thanks to volunteer work, as well as century-old market halls such as Hakaniemi, built in 1914. Surrounding islands like Sisä-Hattu allow...
Suomenlinna
3.4 km
Helsinki Olympic Stadium
2.5 km
Helsinki Cathedral
656 m
Linnanmäki
2.4 km
Temppeliaukio Church
1.2 km
Sea Life Aquarium
2.5 km
Helsinki Central Railway Station
506 m
Eduskuntatalo
885 m
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
365 m
Havis Amanda
448 m
Mäntyniemi
3.3 km
Finlandia Hall
1.2 km
Kesäranta
2.9 km
Majakka
3.1 km
Malminkartanonhuippu
10.9 km
Uspenski Cathedral
931 m
Senate Square
579 m
Presidential Palace
733 m
Helsinki Central Library Oodi
857 m
Lapinlahti – Center for Arts, Culture and Mental Wellbeing
1.7 km
Taiga
2.4 km
Helsinki-Malmi Airport
11.2 km
Vesikko
3.7 km
Kiasma
670 m
Ateneum
386 m
Helsinki Prison
3.4 km
National Museum of Finland
1.1 km
Sibelius Monument
2.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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